Francesco Guidolin reveals he was offered the Inter job last year, came close to Juventus, Lazio and the Italy bench, but has “no regrets.”

The former Vicenza, Udinese and Swansea City tactician is currently working as a television pundit in Italy and assured La Gazzetta dello Sport that he is “not obsessed by the idea of getting back into the sport.

“I am waiting for a proposal that will enrich me professionally rather than economically. Maybe abroad, perhaps an international team. I need something that reaches my heart.”

Guidolin had quite a few close calls recently, including the Italy job after the 2014 World Cup, which eventually went to Antonio Conte.

“I didn’t receive any direct phone calls, but there were signals and I got the feeling it was a matter of hours. Later on, Federation President Carlo Tavecchio confessed he had thought of me. It was gratifying to be in the running with Conte for the role of CT.

“I have no regrets, as I am proud of my results. I reached Europe eight times: four with Udinese, two at Palermo, once for Vicenza and Bologna, albeit the Intertoto Cup. I won the Coppa Italia with Vicenza, plus earned promotion three times from Serie B to A.

“Around 20 years ago, in different periods, I was inches away from the Inter and Lazio benches. In 2004 I had contact with Juventus, who then brought in Fabio Capello instead.

“In 2013 Aurelio De Laurentiis called me for Napoli and I said no, because I was sure I’d be at Udinese for the rest of my career. That proved not to be the case.

“The most tormented and difficult decision was turning down Inter last year, because I am an Interista at heart. As a child I lived through the Grande Inter era, but they offered me the caretaker role (after Frank de Boer was sacked).

“I got the feeling I’d only be confirmed on the bench if I won practically every game, which was impossible. So I decided to step aside and they hired Stefano Pioli.

“It’s fine and I remain an Inter supporter.”

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